CarGuide.PH | Philippine Car News, Car Reviews, Car Prices

December 28, 2016

Japan Sees All-New Suzuki Swift; Forms Basis for Global Model

The last time the world has seen an all-new Swift, it was 2004. Selling more than 5.3 million units worldwide, it has become a global strategic model for Suzuki. A full decade later, the small car specialist has finally pulled the wraps off the all-new Swift and it’s looking good as ever.

That Thing Called Surge Pricing

Dear Uber and Grab,

Listen up. I enjoy using your service, I really do. It’s a ton better than using any other mode of public transportation because it’s more convenient, safer, and well, just plain more reliable than taxis, jeepneys, buses, and the MRT combined. But let me put my admiration aside to talk about something quite serious: surge pricing.

Forty-two test drives (not counting First Drives) and only five slots: welcome to CarGuide.PH’s annual Top 5 Picks of the Year. If you want to take a trip down memory lane, you can check out the past winners here (2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011), but for now, let’s head on over to the best of 2016. As always, there are no categories or sub-categories. For CarGuide.PH’s Top 5, everything, be it pickup trucks, SUVs, crossovers, sports cars, and what have you, are all lumped together.

Honda Produces 100 Millionth Vehicle

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that the company has reached the milestone of producing 100 million units globally.

The Ford Mustang has added yet another award to its trophy case: Women’s Performance Car of the Year 2016.

Since the Macan was launched in 2014, it has been a phenomenal success for Porsche. It is one of the best-selling models for the brand in 2015 with 80,216 units sold, opening the door to new customers. It applies heavily to the Asia-Pacific region as the Macan contributes substantially to Porsche’s success here.

Subaru to Hike Prices of Core Models in the Philippines

The continued weakening of the Philippine Peso is forcing Motor Image Pilipinas, the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in the country to implement a price increase on selected models. The price increase will affect its core models: the Subaru XV, Forester, and Levorg beginning January 1, 2017.

Book your tickets now as the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) finally announced the dates and theme for the 45th running of the Tokyo Motor Show.

Toyota Automobile Museum Adds 19 New Cars

If you’re a real gearhead, you should consider a trip to the Toyota Automobile Museum located in Nagukute City, Aichi Prefecture (click here for our feature as well as how to get there). And even if you have, January would be a great time as they’re about to finish revamping their permanent exhibits. Best part? 19 new vehicles will be part of the permanent exhibit; fitting because the museum will be celebrating its 30th birthday in 2019.

The Mitsubishi Montero Sport, equipped with Active Stability Control (ASC) and Seatbelt Reminder System (SBR) garnered a perfect 5-star score at the ASEAN NCAP in Adult Occupancy Protection (AOP) scoring 15.29 out of a possible 16.00 points. This accolade proves Mitsubishi’s commitment in prioritizing safety as one of the most important aspects in car development. The Montero Sport’s 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating joins the model’s 5-star safety rating in the Latin NCAP and ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Program).

Ford Philippines introduced the Ford OFW Assist Program, providing a convenient online buying experience for Ford vehicles available in the Philippines for Filipinos working abroad.

Nissan Philippines Inc (NPI) lives up to its innovative drive with its latest offering, the Nissan Express Service. Launched at the new Nissan Sucat dealership, Nissan Express Service is designed to provide an intelligent, more focused customer engagement, promising ease and convenience to all Nissan customers.

The Metro Manila Concert Orchestra (MMCO) was honored at the 29th Aliw Awards for their participation at Kia Beats. The country’s premiere orchestra won Best Major Concert (Group) and was also nominated for the Best Instrumentalists (Group) category.

Following Makati Shangri-La’s delivery of its all-new luxury fleet of Volkswagen Passat and Jetta units just a few months ago, Shangri La’s Mactan Resort & Spa also received its new fleet of Jetta as part of its efforts to upgrade and expand its existing vehicles to cater to its more discerning guests.

Mitsubishi Philippines Rewards Stick Shift Enthusiasts with New Montero Sport Variant (w/ Brochure)

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) is rewarding stick shift enthusiast with the introduction of their most affordable Montero Sport model yet: the GLX 2WD equipped with a 6-speed manual. It’s well-kitted and now available for an unbelievable introductory price.

When it comes to crowning the Philippines’s sportiest compact out there, there are two cars that always seem to roll off the tongue: the Honda Civic and the Mazda3. And you can’t blame the masses: one touts a turbocharged engine and the other has driving excitement written all over it. But what if I tell you there’s a compact car in the market that’s often overlooked, but still offers a huge chunk of that driving excitement virtue? Heck, it’s even got a turbocharged engine with more power and torque than the Civic’s. Meet the Ford Focus once more.

Mazda's Philippine Distributor Files for IPO

You’ve always wanted to own one of their cars, but would you want to own a piece of the company? That could very well be the possibility as Mazda’s Philippine distributor plans to list some of its shares on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) by the first half of 2017 at the latest. Bermaz Auto Philippines (BAP), formerly known as Berjaya Auto Philippines, plans an Initial Public Offering (IPO) worth P 1.24 billion or about 15.6 percent of the company.

First Ford GT Rolls Off the Production Line

Admittedly, it’s mildly disappointing that the Ford GT to roll off the production line isn’t finished in Liquid Blue. Still, get over the color (it’s Shadow Black with orange stripes) and it’s an indisputable fact that someone’s going to have a 600 horsepower sleigh very soon.

In the spirit of giving, Volvo Philippines generously gives away a fantastic Christmas treat. With its value-laden Easy Ownership offer, interested buyers can now reward themselves with a brand new Volvo S60 R-design or a Volvo V60 Cross Country. For as low as a 30 percent downpayment, they can also enjoy a 0 percent interest financing plan at an equitable 24-month payment schedule.

Mahindra Philippines, as part of their corporate social responsibility program, donated 50 bicycles to Maruhat National High School and 500 slippers to the Elementary School of Sapang Kawayan both in Gapan City, Nueva Ecija.

Mazda’s intensive motorsports background has been brought to light as a showroom-stock Mazda2 hatchback finished the grueling 8-hour Philippine Endurance Challenge, snatching the Manufacturer’s Cup Trophy in the process. Driven by seasoned racer Clifford Certeza along with Bermaz Malaysia marketing professional Ian Khong, and journalist Iñigo Roces, the Team Bermaz Mazda run sub-compact hatchback completed 160 laps, two more than its nearest competitor.

The Toyota GAZOO Racing team has finally unveiled the Yaris WRC which the team will use for the World Rally Championship starting with the Rally Monte-Carlo. Developed for more than a year, the Yaris WRC has undergone a rigorous testing regimen including thousands of hours in the workshop and road testing.

Discounts Galore on Selected Kia Models

Kia is spreading Christmas cheer with their Regalong Panalo Pampasko promo. As a gift to its fans this holiday season, Kia is offering up major discounts across its line-up.

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) opens its 35th full-service dealership, Honda Cars Lipa City (HCLC). The dealership, located at Ayala Highway, Brgy. Balintawak, Lipa City, Batangas is the first dealer in the Philippines to apply the new Visual Identity, which enabled the Honda dealers perceived to be advanced, futuristic, and modernly elegant.

Christmas is in the air: Filipino shoppers are hopping from mall to mall, scouting for gift ideas, filling restaurants, and congesting roads. The flurry of activity, however, inevitably increases the probability of road crashes during the Christmas season.

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) in November recorded its highest monthly sales tally for the year.

Dirt art practitioner JC Vargas takes the Nissan Navara back on the exhibit road, this time at The Block, SM North Edsa.

Review: 2017 Mazda3 Speed

The year is about to come to an end and by now, you think it’s a foregone conclusion on what the best compact car is. Well, depending on what your priorities are, the answer isn’t as clear cut as you may think. If you still value driving above everything else, then you shouldn’t settle for a car with an “H” upfront. There’s only one definitive driver’s compact out and that’s the Mazda3.

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December 28, 2016

Japan Sees All-New Suzuki Swift; Forms Basis for Global Model

December 27, 2016

That Thing Called Surge Pricing

Top 5 Picks for 2016

December 26, 2016

Honda Produces 100 Millionth Vehicle

Women Pick the Ford Mustang as their Performance Car of the Year

Birth of the Porsche Macan Through the Leipzig Assembly Line

December 23, 2016

Subaru to Hike Prices of Core Models in the Philippines

2017 Tokyo Motor Show Announces Dates, Theme

December 21, 2016

Toyota Automobile Museum Adds 19 New Cars

Mitsubishi Montero Sport Joins 5-Star ASEAN NCAP Club

Ford Makes Car Ownership for OFWs Easier

Nissan Philippines Promises 30-Minute Service or Labor is Free! (w/ Video)

Kia-sponsored MMCO Wins at 29th Aliw Awards

Shangri-La Mactan Chooses Volkswagen

December 20, 2016

Mitsubishi Philippines Rewards Stick Shift Enthusiasts with New Montero Sport Variant (w/ Brochure)

Review: 2016 Ford Focus Sport

December 18, 2016

Mazda's Philippine Distributor Files for IPO

December 17, 2016

First Ford GT Rolls Off the Production Line

Volvo Philippines Offering Holiday Treats on S60, V60 Cross Country

Mahindra Brings Early Christmas to Students in Nueva Ecija

Stock Mazda2 Snatches Class Win at Philippine Endurance Challenge

Toyota is Going Back to WRC with Yaris

December 16, 2016

Discounts Galore on Selected Kia Models

Honda Cars Welcomes Lipa, Bantagas Dealership

7 Lifesaving Tips for Motorcycle Riders this Christmas Season

Isuzu Philippines Posts Highest Sales of the Year in November

"Dirt Art" Nissan Navara Moves to SM North EDSA

December 13, 2016

Review: 2017 Mazda3 Speed